Rabat – French-Moroccan comedian Gad Elmaleh addressed the controversy surrounding his recent film Reste Un Peu (Stay a Little), which discusses religion and spirituality.
Rest Un Peu is an autobiographical comedy in which Elmaleh questions his Jewish roots and expresses his interest in the Catholic faith.
This led viewers, especially in France, to suggest that the film was a “coming out,” showing Elmaleh’s conversion to Christianity.
The film featured Elmaleh’s real mother and father, Regine and David Elmaleh, who played the role of his parents in the film. This further strengthened people’s assumptions about a possible real-life conversion.
The film also included real events from Elmaleh’s childhood and his journey living in the United States.
Read also: Gad Elmaleh: ‘Morocco Is A Land of Jewish-Muslim Fraternity’
On the sidelines of the Marrakech Film Festival, the French-Moroccan comedian responded to the backlash and told the press: “Controversy can be constructive, not only negative.”
He encouraged people to watch the film first, then make judgments. “I have no problem with people who see the film, and then have a debate,” he noted.
“I was born in Morocco, in a land of tolerance, in a land of fraternity” where people freely discuss religion, Elmaleh added.
When asked whether he has really converted to Christianity, Elmaleh said: “The answer is in the film, and if I tell you I will spoil the film.”
Elmaleh has been one of the most well-known and successful Jewish people in France’s entertainment industry, and his Jewish heritage has been a central part of his identity.
The film, which premiered in France on November 14, received mixed reactions. Some fans congratulated him on following his spiritual journey, while others expressed shock and confusion.
